U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum opened in Chicago Monday, with participants calling for greater cooperation in trade and industries between the two countries.

Yu Ping, vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said during the opening ceremony that Chinese and American businesses should strengthen communication and cooperation and join hands to transfer crisis to opportunities and create a better future.

He offered three suggestions during his speech. First of all, China and U.S. should strengthen equal dialogue, expand regional exchange to achieve mutual benefits and a win-win result. Secondly, both countries should make efforts to make trade and investment between the two countries more convenient. Thirdly, China and U.S. should continually promote cooperation and innovation in green areas and promote the sustainable development between the two countries.

Li Yanhong, CEO and founder of Baidu.com, said during his speech that financial crisis actually offers great opportunities for companies to speed up their development and Baidu is a good example.

William Zarit, minister counselor for commercial affairs, Department of Commerce of the U.S., introduced Invest American and Access America programs which are designed to help foreign investors and business people to come to the U.S. for business development.

Bai Lichen, vice chairman of China People's Political Consultative Conference delivered a special remark and keynote speech during the Forum in Chicago.

Other distinguished speakers and panelists include Wang Zhuan, vice chairman of Liaoning Provincial People's Congress, Frank Lavin, former U.S. under secretary of commerce, Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi and former senator Adlai Stevenson from Midwest U.S.-China Association, Richard Pauline, executive director of International Trade Association of Greater Chicago.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, together with the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce, organized the day-long forum to advance understanding in both business communities of the opportunities and challenges stemming from the global economic crisis.

The 1st U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum explores critical bilateral trade and investment topics and complement ongoing efforts by the two governments to promote common solutions to global challenges and strengthen relations.

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2009)